Sounds like an interesting build (lets see some pictures!
![[:Y:]](./images/smilies/smiley20.gif "Thumbs Up")
) You said that you used epoxy to glue it up. I recommend wood glue. Wood glue will bond wood together much stronger than epoxy. Wood glue will also leave your instrument sounding better (but have not fear, this is more a of superstition than I (and most builders) have. Your build will sound great regardless of the glue you use!) You see, wood glue is not as thick and viscous as epoxy so it will absorb into the wood and anything else will squeeze out. Epoxy doesnt absorb into the wood quite as much and has a tendency to leave and extremely thin film of glue between the wood thats being joined. As for your question, I would box off the neck thru portion with painters tape and apply some finish to it like you said. That sound like a good idea, but be careful nut to use too much. Apply JUST enough to keep the wood from absorbing additional liquid. Even after applying finish, I would cover the neck thru portion with painters tape just to be on the safe side. Hope this helps! -Alex